Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology - Horticulture

The Department of Horticulture offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnologyhorticulture. The Graduate Program in Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology (PBGB) is an interdepartmental program at Michigan State University. Our students research agronomic, forest and horticultural species and may choose from a broad array of educational courses. This program was established in 1981 and grants both the master's and doctoral degrees.
This program is a collaboration between faculty members from the MSU departments of Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Biology and Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. We offer state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, access to research greenhouses, farms, and specialized equipment on the MSU Campus. Our faculty also compete successfully for internal and external funding for research projects. New students have a high degree of flexibility in selecting a major professor, committee members and a thesis project among this talented group. MSU is particularly known for research, teaching and extension activities in the plant sciences, thus, strong support and resources are available to students in PBGB.

All Official Transcripts. TOEFL PBT - 550. TOEFL IBT - 80. IELTS - 6.5.
Applicants for the M.S. program must have completed a bachelor of science or arts degree, applicants for the Ph.D. program must have completed a M.S. program or its equivalent.
Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. degree in agriculture or biological sciences. Applicants not trained in these fields will be considered provided they have a robust academic and/or experiential background. Previous courses in college-level physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and plant science are strongly recommended. Applicants should read and understand the Departmental recommendations for minimum academic coursework to be completed prior to, or during, the program.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, based upon the courses taken during the last two academic years, is required for admission.
For non-U.S. students who are not native English speakers, scores for the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required for consideration of applications. For TOEFL, a minimum average score of 80 is required, with minimal subscore of 19 for reading, listening, and speaking, and 22 for writing. For IELTS, a score of 6.5 or higher is required.
Three letters of recommendation, completed by instructors or supervisors familiar with the applicant's work. Letters of recommendation must be submitted on official stationery with an original signature.
A written Academic Statement. Include on the application or attach a separate sheet with a concise academic statement of your plans for graduate study, your career goals, and how MSU's graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
A written Personal Statement. Include on the application or attach a separate personal statement about how your background and life experiences, including social, economic, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
One official copy of transcripts from all previous universities attended.
An official copy of TOEFL or IELTS scores (only for non-U.S. students who are not native English speakers)
A statement of financial proof may be required. If so, the administrative staff of the Horticulture Department of the University will contact you and request the needed information. In this case, the requested statement must originate from your source of support and must be a certified statement with an original signature. We cannot accept photocopies unless notarized, signed and sealed.